Deakin wins Victorian Export Award for Education

Deakin University won the Governor of Victoria Export Award for Education and Training announced at a ceremony held at Government House yesterday (21 October). The Award recognises the University's innovation and commitment to advancing education, training and research in international markets.

Deakin University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Philip Clarke, said it was an honour to win the award for the second year in a row.

"We were delighted to receive the award in 2008; to win again in 2009 is further acknowledgement that Deakin is continuing to build a strong reputation for developing effective teaching and research partnerships overseas," Professor Clarke said.

Approximately 20 per cent of Deakin's student population is international. Since 2002, the University's enrolments from China and India have grown by 1,466 per cent and 802 per cent respectively. This exceeds the Victorian and national averages; for example, in 2008/9 Deakin's enrolments from China grew by 36 per cent compared with Victorian and national growth of 21 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.

Deakin's approach to exporting teaching and research services is to work in partnership with institutions, governments and individuals in key countries.

"This approach saw Deakin be the first university in the world to open an office in India and the first Australian university to open one in China," Professor Clarke explained.

"It also means that we do not simply seek to recruit students for study in Australia. Rather, we undertake, within target countries, a broad range of activities designed to confer lasting benefits on all those involved. As well as advancing the University's interests and those of our students and staff, this approach contributes to the development of good international relationships and advances Australia's national interests."

Examples of Deakin's success in engaging with international partners include:

• The launch of the Deakin India Research Initiative. This Initiative will enable Deakin to respond to the research training needs of Indian industry and provide opportunities for joint research in the areas of biotechnology, nanotechnology and materials science.

• A new partnership with the Government of Aceh to help train the teachers that this Indonesian Province needs to replace the huge number lost in the 2004 Tsunami.

As winner of a Victorian Export Award, Deakin will now represent the State in the education and training category at the national 2009 Australian Export Awards.